Wang Yu glanced around and lowered her voice, "The Yu family... you shouldn't go there recently."
Hua Zhi was taken aback, somewhat surprised by her words.
Wang Yu tugged at her hair anxiously and whispered, "Weiwei has always been restless, but since her wedding at the beginning of the month, she hasn't come out at all. This has never happened before. I visited her home a few days ago, but it was her new husband who came out to see me. He said Weiwei was unwell and couldn't receive guests. Weiwei and I grew up together - if she couldn't see anyone else, she would never refuse to see me."
Wang Yu paused to collect herself, then continued in a hushed tone, "I can't discuss this unfounded matter with others. But after you left, Weiwei often spoke of you, saying that since Jin Yang is close to the capital, she hoped to visit you there someday. It's strange how people connect - if I didn't know you'd only met for a few days, I'd think you had years of friendship."
Ignoring the slightly mocking tone in the latter part of her speech, Hua Zhi asked, "What kind of person is Miss Yu's husband? And Master Yu?"
"Master Yu's health hasn't been good since last year, otherwise he wouldn't have rushed Weiwei's marriage. Besides appearing at the wedding, he hasn't received visitors since. As for Weiwei's husband..." Wang Yu thought for a moment, "He's quite elegant. Though he married into the family, he carries himself well. Weiwei's cousin wouldn't have arranged such a poor match."
Hua Zhi immediately suspected foul play. If Zeng Xianglin was connected to the Chao Li Tribe, how could they ensure he hadn't harbored ill intentions regarding the Yu family matters?
"Miss Wang actually wants me to visit the Yu family, doesn't she?"
Wang Yu raised her eyebrows, "Why would you say that, Miss Hua?"
"We've only played a few rounds of cards together. Given our relationship, you're being unusually candid." Hua Zhi gently smoothed her sleeves. "Occasionally, a little white rabbit might emerge from a great family, but you're clearly not one."
"It seems I've underestimated you, Miss Hua." Speaking with someone intelligent, Wang Yu no longer concealed her purpose. "I'm worried about Weiwei, but I can't visit too frequently. I was hoping you could go and confirm she's alright."
That made more sense. While saying she shouldn't go, Wang Yu had presented the matter half-concealed and used Weiwei's fond memories of her to evoke concern - clearly calculating to make her visit the Yu family. Hua Zhi didn't dislike such scheming, as the intention wasn't malicious.
"As you said, Miss Wang, human connections are strange. Last time I was here, I received Miss Yu's hospitality, and I had planned to visit her during this trip." Hua Zhi made a slight bow. "I'll come here the day after tomorrow."
Wang Yu returned the courtesy and watched her board the carriage. She began to understand why Weiwei considered this woman of unknown origins a friend. Some people, without saying much or making promises, naturally commanded trust. It never occurred to her that this person might betray her immediately.
Hua Ling was right - great families don't produce little white rabbits. She wasn't one, Hua Ling wasn't one, and Weiwei couldn't be one either.
"Hua Hua, are you going to that Yu family?" Shaoyao asked, listening to the street noise outside."I have no intention of using Yu Weiwei," Hua Zhi leaned against the carriage compartment, recalling the young woman who would cover her eyes when crying during their last parting. "After learning of her marriage, I didn't plan to disturb her. But since Wang Yu mentioned it, I should visit. Moreover, I remember her mentioning that her husband was chosen for her by Zeng Xianglin."
Shaoyao immediately understood - Zeng Xianglin was problematic, which made this person suspicious by association.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yanxi immediately dispatched people to investigate the man's background. The findings weren't surprising: he came from a clean background, had studied since childhood despite his family's poverty, and was a certified scholar. He wouldn't have become a live-in son-in-law if not for his parents' serious illness and family's financial struggles. If the investigation was accurate, such a son-in-law would be quite presentable.
The problem lay in determining how much of this was true.
Gu Yanxi didn't want A Zhi to take risks. "With Zeng Xianglin as our lead, resolving this matter is only a question of time. Visiting the Yu family isn't absolutely necessary."
"I've already sent a visiting card, and they've responded," Hua Zhi explained. "Women in Jin Yang are different from those in the capital. Probably because they move about more freely outdoors, their temperaments are wilder - especially Yu Weiwei. If she discovers her husband has problems, she definitely won't sit idle. If our goals align, cooperation would benefit us both."
Gu Yanxi understood this perfectly well, but countered, "Your safety is more important."
"If I had been in Jin Yang for long, I wouldn't push this. But I only arrived yesterday. At most, they can only learn that the mushroom trade in Jin Yang belongs to me. Even if they suspect I'm from the Hua family because of my surname, that would actually make them more at ease. After all, my reputation in the capital is mainly as a businesswoman. Jin Yang being closest to the capital, it's not strange to expand business here."
"What if they value your ability of turning stone into gold and want you to make money for them?"
Hua Zhi smiled. "I bear the Hua surname. No one would believe a Hua family member would betray the nation. My grandfather was only exiled - he's not dead yet. Moreover, the Hua family's downfall is still recent, and our spirit hasn't broken. If the Chao Li Tribe truly has a Wise Man, he should know this."
Gu Yanxi held her hand, momentarily speechless.
"Don't feel guilty about things beyond your control. If I blamed you, we wouldn't have come this far - no, we wouldn't even have started." Hua Zhi lowered her head to kiss the man's hand, then returned to their previous topic. "Yu Weiwei isn't an unpleasant person. If she wants to save herself, I'd like to help. This world is too unfriendly to women - they can't do without us yet still mistreat us. I'm a woman too. If I can help her while benefiting myself, why wouldn't I?"
Gu Yanxi couldn't argue with her and had to concede. "Take Shaoyao with you."
"How dare I not bring her? She'd throw a fit otherwise."
Shaoyao, with both cheeks bulging from food, pretended not to understand and ate with intense concentration, as if she had never entertained such thoughts.
Early the next morning, Hua Zhi selected several items from her belongings as gifts. They weren't particularly valuable, but being brought from the capital, they represented sincere regard.
On their way, Hua Zhi said, "Wang Yu mentioned Yu Weiwei is unwell. When we see her, assess her condition. Don't take her pulse - just observe. For now, your identity is my cousin, Ling Niang.""Ling Niang." Shaoyao murmured the name, then suddenly laughed. "Hua Hua, do you know what my original name was?"
Hua Zhi shook her head. To her, Shaoyao was Shaoyao - the name didn't matter, so she had never asked.
"Gu Qiaoling. My name was Gu Qiaoling."
How remarkable. Hua Zhi chuckled. "What a coincidence."
Shaoyao leaned against Hua Hua's shoulder and laughed too. Yes, what a coincidence - so perfect it felt like this name was destined to be hers.
PS: Chapter two hasn't been edited yet, will post it together tomorrow. Don't know what's been going on lately - every chapter needs major revisions, I'm completely exhausted from editing.
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